The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE EXTRA PLACE AT CHRISTMAS

AT THE BIG CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL THE POLISH PEOPLE SET AN EXTRA
PLACE AT THE TABLE TO SIGNIFY THAT CHRIST WAS THERE. IF A BEGGAR
CAME TO THE DOOR HE WOULD NOT BE TURNED AWAY BUT WOULD BE SEATED
AT THE PLACE OF CHRIST BECAUSE HE WOULD REPRESENT CHRIST AND HOW NO
ONE WOULD GIVE HIM A ROOM.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Christ ; CHRISTMAS ; holiday ; POLISH ; SYMBOL ; tradition

Date learned: 00-00-1968